Japan faces an Asahi beer shortage after cyber attacks

Japan is facing a shortage of Asahi products, including beer and bottled tea, because the drinks giant is faced with the impact of a major cyber attack that has had an impact on its operations in the country.

Most factories of the Asahi group in Japan have been stopped since Monday, after the attack hit its control and delivery systems, said the firm.

Main Japanese retailers, including 7-Eleven and FamilyMart have now warned customers to expect shortages of ASAHI products.

The BBC contacted Asahi to comment.

Asahi temporarily suspended the prescriptions and shipments of its products without “no recovery perspective”, Familymart on Thursday in a statement.

The company – which is one of the biggest convenience stores in Japan – said its Famimaru range of Bota teas, which are manufactured by Asahi, should be out of stock.

“We sincerely apologize to our customers for any downside,” said Familymart, adding that he was working with Asahi to resume the sale of products.

7-Eleven, the world channel of convenience stores belonging to the Japanese, interrupted the expeditions in the country of Asahi products, including its popular super dry beer.

A 7-Eleven spokesperson said his stores were invited to expect a shortage of Asahi products.

Lawson, another large Japanese retailer, also said that he expected that certain Asahi products are shortened from today.

The retailer said he was planning to fill up on alternative products to minimize the impact on customers.

The Japanese supermarket chain, LIFE cooperation, has also warned that Asahi products could soon be out of stock.

Asahi is the largest brewer in Japan and also has Fullers in the United Kingdom and world brands, notably Peroni, Pilsner Urquell and Grolsch.

Japan represents about half of its total sales.

In addition to beer, Asahi also manufactures soft drinks and food products, as well as brand products specific to retailers like Familymart.

Asahi said this week earlier that system failure is limited to its operations in Japan and that its European activities are not affected. He also said that there had been no “confirmed leak of personal information on customer data”.

“We are actively studying the cause and working to restore operations; but there is currently no estimated calendar for the recovery,” he said at the time.